Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which of the covid-19 support measures he announced in the 2021 Budget will apply to English Language Schools; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has supported businesses, including English Language Schools, through the COVID-19 crisis through an unprecedented support package. The level of support for businesses continues to be tailored to reflect the changing circumstances.

The Budget confirms the continuation of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in its current form until the end of June 2021. As the economy reopens and demand returns, the government will introduce employer contributions towards the cost of unworked hours until September 2021.

The Budget also announced the new Recovery Loan Scheme which will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on eligible loans between £25,000 and £10 million. The scheme will ensure that businesses in all parts of the UK can access the finance they need, including those who have already received support under the existing COVID-19 guaranteed loan schemes.

The government is also providing all local authorities in England with an additional £425 million of discretionary business grant funding, on top of the £1.6 billion already allocated.

I encourage English Language Schools to make full use of the extensive support available.